Young entrepreneurs shine at youth showcase

The Briar Foundation, a non-profit organisation, hosted a Youth Entrepreneurial Showcase (YES) where pupils from schools across the Far South and beyond presented their business ideas to a panel of judges.

The event, which took place at Longbeach Mall, culminated three months of workshops held at various schools, during which pupils were taught the basics of starting and running a small business.

The organisation, which focuses on teaching entrepreneurial skills to young people, launched the YES campaign aimed at equipping high school pupils with critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills to help them consider self-employment as a viable path after school.

Over the past term, the foundation worked with pupils from Fish Hoek High School, Ocean View High School, Generation School Imhoff, Masiphumelele High School, Silvermine Academy, and Simon's Town School.

“With more and more learners leaving school without a clear career path, we believe every young person should have the skills and confidence to become an entrepreneur if they choose to,” said Irene Oxley, director of The Briar Foundation.

During the workshops, pupils were taught to use cost sheets, explored business ideas they could develop, and learned lessons from young entrepreneurs who started as early as Grade 8.

Each pupil also received a booklet that guided them through the basics of building a small business. A representative from Afrikan Bank, one of the sponsors, also spoke to pupils about the importance of saving and managing finances.

The final showcase was held at Longbeach Mall, where pupils pitched their ideas in front of friends, family, and a panel of judges. Every participant received a certificate for their effort, and several stood out for their creativity and presentation.

The top prize went to Kodi Bertish from Generation Schools Imhoff. Second place went to Addison Sachs from Silvermine Academy, and third place was awarded to Thlalefo Tepsisis, also from Silvermine Academy.

Four pupils received special mention and were awarded “Highly Commended” certificates: Aaliyah Zadzere and Alice Munthalo from Ocean View High School, Tayla Wolmarans from Silvermine Academy, and Zac Doherty from Generation Schools Imhoff.

Prizes included shopping vouchers, hampers and meal vouchers. 

Judges for the event were Sinathemba Mashalala, manager of Western Cape Youth Development, Dr Jean Hazlitt, a professional coach and international speaker, and Nafeesa Dinie, manager of the entrepreneurial incubation department at the TVET College.

The showcase not only gave pupils a chance to present their ideas but also encouraged them to think seriously about their futures.

The Briar Foundation hopes to grow the initiative further and reach even more young people across the region.